Double Decker City Tour Through Myrtle Beach

A Practical Guide to the Double Decker City Tour Through Myrtle Beach

If you’re planning a trip to Myrtle Beach and want to see the city from a fresh perspective, the Double Decker City Tour offers a fun, relaxed way to soak up the sights. As a travel writer who loves authentic experiences, I’ve looked into this tour to help you decide whether it’s worth your time and money. While I haven’t personally taken this exact ride, I’ve gathered insights based on detailed descriptions and traveler feedback to give you a balanced review.

What I like most about this experience is its vibrant open-air design, which makes it easy to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and panoramic views. The knowledgeable guides promise to bring the city’s story to life, making the ride both entertaining and informative. Plus, the moderate price point of $36.95 per person offers good value for a quick, scenic overview of Myrtle Beach.

One potential consideration is that the 45-minute duration is brief, so if you’re looking for a comprehensive tour, this might be more of a highlight reel than an in-depth exploration. Also, it’s seasonal with weather-dependent activity, so poor weather could mean rescheduling or refunds. This tour would suit solo travelers, families, or groups who want a relaxed, scenic introduction to Myrtle Beach without investing hours.

Key Points

• Open-air double-decker bus provides panoramic views and a fun experience.
• Knowledgeable guides deliver engaging storytelling about local sights.
• Short duration (about 45 minutes) makes it a quick, accessible activity.
• Two pickup locations add flexibility for different travelers’ schedules.
• Affordable price point offers good value for a city overview.
• Weather dependence means it’s best on clear days.

A Closer Look at the Myrtle Beach Double Decker Tour

This tour is designed to give visitors a light, scenic, and informative introduction to Myrtle Beach’s most notable spots. Starting from either The Market Commons or Myrtle Beach’s downtown, the bus heads toward the oceanfront, offering glimpses of the vibrant area as it makes its way to the coast. You’ll see the city’s mix of modern attractions and historic landmarks from atop the double-decker bus, which is a sure-fire way to get a sense of the layout and vibe of Myrtle Beach.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Experience

The tour covers a good mix of urban charm, beach culture, and entertainment highlights. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

The Market Commons – If you start here, you’ll begin in a lively district known for its boutiques, restaurants, and upscale urban design. It’s perfect for a quick browse before the ride begins and gives you a taste of Myrtle Beach’s modern, walkable side.

Drive past the second-largest Ferris wheel in the US – This iconic landmark is a visual treat. While the tour doesn’t stop here, the guide’s commentary about such attractions adds layers of interest. The Ferris wheel is a symbol of Myrtle Beach’s entertainment appeal, and seeing it from above sparks a sense of fun and nostalgia.

Beach boardwalk and oceanfront – The bus glides past Myrtle Beach’s famous boardwalk, which features over 770,000 boardfeet of lumber (a detail that highlights the effort put into beach infrastructure). Visitors often appreciate the mix of wooden crosswalks, raised decks, shade sails, and lively public squares. It’s a vibrant scene that captures the beach’s lively, family-friendly atmosphere.

Myrtle Beach’s Largest Gift Shop – With around 70,000 items on display over 26,000-35,000 sq ft, this stop is a shopper’s paradise. While it’s not a traditional stop with time to browse, it’s a visual highlight that reflects the lively retail scene.

Plyler Park – An oceanfront public space, this park offers a chance to appreciate Myrtle Beach’s community spirit. Situated between the boardwalk and the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove, it’s a great spot for a quick photo or to imagine the local vibe.

Historic Myrtle Beach Pier – Built in 1936 and extending about 900 feet over the Atlantic, this historic pier offers a glimpse into the city’s long-standing seaside traditions. The guide’s stories about the pier’s history and significance add charm to the ride.

The Atlantic Ocean – The tour culminates with a view of the vast, shimmering Atlantic. It’s a moment of natural beauty that underscores Myrtle Beach’s identity as a seaside resort.

What Travelers Can Expect

Most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, who add personality and local insight that elevate the experience beyond just a sightseeing trip. One reviewer mentions, “We loved the way the guide shared stories about Myrtle Beach’s history and entertainment spots—they really brought the city to life.”

The scenic views from the open-air top deck are a big selling point. You’ll enjoy an unobstructed, 360-degree perspective, perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the sights. Since the ride is only about 45 minutes, it’s a low-commitment way to get a quick overview, especially handy if your schedule is tight.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The tour runs several times a week, with different departure times depending on the pickup point. The Myrtle Beach pickup offers departures at 10AM, 5PM, and on Fridays at 10AM, while the Market Commons location has evening departures, making it flexible for different plans. The bus seats up to 50 travelers, which keeps the group manageable but lively.

Pricing at $36.95 per person is reasonable, especially considering the views and local storytelling. You’ll want to book in advance, as the tour is popular and often booked around 190 days ahead. The mobile ticket makes access easy, and parking options at both locations are convenient, with free street and garage parking available.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

The tour is weather-dependent — clear, sunny days will give the best experience. If your day is rained out, the provider offers full refunds or the option to reschedule. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, which adds some peace of mind if your plans change.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Tips

While official descriptions focus on the sightseeing, some reviews highlight the interactive element and the informative guides. One traveler appreciated that the tour “was a perfect introduction for first-timers,” while another noted it’s great for families wanting a relaxed, fun outing.

Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth boarding, especially during busy seasons. Also, dress for the weather — the open-air top deck is wonderful on sunny days but less comfortable if rain or wind pick up.

The Sum Up: Who Should Take This Tour?

This Double Decker City Tour is ideal for those seeking a short, scenic overview of Myrtle Beach. It’s perfect if you have limited time but still want to get a sense of the city’s highlights, from its historic pier to the lively boardwalk and iconic attractions. Families, solo explorers, and groups will appreciate the relaxed pace, engaging storytelling, and stunning views from above.

While it won’t replace a full day of sightseeing or in-depth exploration, it’s a valuable, fun introduction — especially for first-timers or anyone wanting a photo-rich, memorable glimpse of Myrtle Beach’s seaside charm. The combination of affordable price, flexible schedule, and lively guides makes this a worthwhile addition to your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick but memorable experience.

Where are the pickup locations?
You can choose between The Market Commons (Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays) and Myrtle Beach downtown (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays). Both are centrally located with free parking.

What is the cost?
The price is $36.95 per person, offering good value for a sightseeing ride with storytelling and panoramic views.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book several days or even months ahead, especially in peak seasons, as it’s quite popular.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather. The open air deck is a plus on sunny days but less so if it rains or is windy.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly activity, and most travelers find it suitable for all ages.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. You’ll be offered a full refund or a reschedule if the weather causes cancellation.

How large are the groups?
The maximum group size is 50 travelers, keeping it lively but manageable.

In all, the Double Decker City Tour through Myrtle Beach offers a charming, scenic, and affordable way to get your bearings and enjoy the city’s most recognizable sights from a fresh vantage point. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or just want a light, fun activity to break up your day, it’s a ride worth considering.